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For many people, summertime means sunshine and time spent with family and friends. But the warm weather can also bring burns, bites, germs, and a lot of misinformation about how to treat them.
Learn about some of the most common—and downright strange—summer health myths and get the facts to keep your season safe.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Preventi... + 14
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Crypto Infections. May 27, 2025.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing Crypto. May 8, 2025.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing swimming-related illnesses. June 6, 2025.
- Hlavsa MC, Aluko SK, et al. Outbreaks Associated with Treated Recreational Water — United States, 2015–2019. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:733–738.
- Hlavsa MC, Cikesh BL, et al. Outbreaks Associated with Treated Recreational Water — United States, 2000–2014. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2018;67:547–551.
- Blackstock LK, Wang W, et al. Sweetened Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs. Environmental Science & Technology Letters. 2017,4,4.149-153.
- Li JH, Wang ZH, et al. Health effects from swimming training in chlorinated pools and the corresponding metabolic stress pathways. PLoS One. 2015 Mar 5;10(3):e0119241.
- Chowdhury S, Alhooshani K, et al. Disinfection byproducts in swimming pool: occurrences, implications and future needs. Water Res. 2014 Apr 15;53:68-109.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevent Mosquito Bites. August 28, 2024.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing West Nile. September 8, 2025.
- MedlinePlus. Jellyfish Stings. July 1, 2025.
- Mayo Clinic. Jellyfish Stings: Diagnosis and Treatment. May 14, 2024.
- North American Bear Center. Myth: Menstrual Odors Trigger Bear Attacks. Accessed March 23, 2026.
- U.S. Forest Service. Bears. Accessed March 23, 2026.
- U.S. Forest Service. Respect Wildlife. April 22, 2025.
